Gedebage Jazz Festival International 2026 Unite the World Musicians in Bandung

Gedebage Jazz Festival International 2026 press conference (doc. Ist)

BANDUNG - The eastern area of Bandung City has now officially emerged as a new epicenter for the creative music industry in the country. Entering its third year of organization, the Gedebage Jazz Festival held at Summarecon Mall Bandung has been upgraded to the Gedebage Jazz Festival International 2026.

The event, which took place on June 25-28, is no longer just a local stage, but a cultural diplomacy platform that brings Indonesian jazz maestros together with international musicians. Taking place in three strategic points of the mall - Sawarga Courtyard for the main stage, Atrium Ciunik, and Downtown Walk - the festival carries the big theme of "Jazz, People and Harmony".

June Hadi Hasan as the Center Director of Summarecon Mall Bandung emphasized that the transformation of this festival is part of the company's long-term commitment to present a retail concept that goes beyond the conventional function of a shopping center.

"We want to make Summarecon Mall Bandung a lifestyle destination that becomes a meeting space for communities, creativity, entertainment, and culture for the community and visitors. The Gedebage Jazz Festival is one of the signature events that grows in line with the development of East Bandung while strengthening the position of Gedebage as a new creative activity center in Bandung City," said Juni in a press conference in Bandung, Friday, June 26.

The utilization of Sawarga Courtyard as the main stage is claimed to be a significant differentiator in the festival landscape. This open space area which is directly integrated with retail and culinary tenants is designed to reduce the distance between performers and music lovers.

"With the concept of a spacious, comfortable, and integrated open space with retail and culinary areas, Sawarga Courtyard allows visitors to enjoy music festivals in a closer, warmer, and memorable atmosphere," added Juni.

"We want to show that Summarecon Mall Bandung has venues and infrastructure that can host national and international music events," he added.

The main attraction of this year's festival lies in the courage of the curation of the lineup that breaks down geographical and genre boundaries. The international collaboration stage is filled with Japanese musician Takahiro Miyazaki collaborating with TRIO B.A.E., as well as cross-country vocal harmonies between Andrea Cui from Singapore and Julian Chan from Malaysia accompanied by the KLCBS Project. Not to be outdone, the trio from Hungary, Jazzbois, also made history by making their debut performance debut in Indonesia.

From the ranks of domestic musicians, this festival features a reunion project between Indra Lesmana and his fellow musicians from Australia through the Sydney Reunion flag. This project, which has been awaited for decades, finally broke the egg in front of the Bandung public.

"I am very happy to be able to return to the Gedebage Jazz Festival. In my opinion, it is extraordinary because in its three-year-old age, this festival has developed into an international jazz festival," said Indra Lesmana.

"I see it happening because of the extraordinary spirit of Summarecon who not only wants to build an area, but also make it a space for the development of art, culture, and community. I believe that the Gedebage Jazz Festival will continue to grow because its foundation and infrastructure are very supportive," continued the 60-year-old jazz maestro.

The aspect of regeneration and locality is also felt when the Indonesian jazz diva, Syaharani, collaborates with the Bandung Jazz Orchestra which is dominated by young musicians.

"This is the first time I have performed at the Gedebage International Jazz Festival and collaborated with the Bandung Jazz Orchestra. Most of them are still in college, there are even some who are still in high school. That makes me more convinced that standard jazz songs are not something old or abandoned, but can continue to be studied and explored by the younger generation," said Syaharani.

In addition, the melting of local culture is represented through the action of Barry Likumahuwa and The Rhythm Service which combines modern jazz with a traditional ensemble from Saung Angklung Udjo. The Special Show stage was also enlivened by a row of other names such as Krakatau Reunion, Tribute to January Christy by Erwin Gutawa, Dewa 19 ft. Virzha, to Maliq & D'Essentials.

In order to provide a concrete impact on the industry, this festival complements its activities with an educational program in the form of a Masterclass with Indra Lesmana & Sydney Reunion at the Exhibition Hall. Visitors are also treated to a physical release and instrument market through the Music Market at Atrium Ciunik, as well as the Live Jazz Corner at Downtown Walk which presents a free jam session to encourage the regeneration of local musicians in Bandung.

For information, the entrance ticket to this festival is priced ranging from the Festival Pass category at IDR 250,000 to the premium Jazz Front Row class at IDR 2,000,000.